How to Install a Car Audio CD Player on an Oldsmobile Alero
by Jule PamplinThe Oldsmobile Alero's stock stereo varies among iterations of the General Motors vehicle. The 2004 models (last edition) was fitted with factory audio systems including single-disc CD players. The system is specifically tuned to match the layout of the Alero and the vehicle's stock speaker arrangement. Owners who wish to replace a malfunctioning unit or upgrade their stock stereo with an aftermarket CD player, can do so without the assistance of a car audio professional.
Step 1
Pull the hood release lever located on the driver's side of the Alero, under the dashboard. Move to the engine compartment.
Step 2
Loosen the bolt that secures the negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal with a 10 mm wrench. Move the cable away from the battery to prevent shorting the vehicle's electrical system. Return to the inside of the Oldsmobile.
Step 3
Grab the lower edge of the trim panel that surrounds the stereo unit and pull it away from the dashboard. The six clips on the back side of the panel will disengage from the dashboard to reveal the stereo mounting bracket.
Step 4
Remove the four screws at the corners of the stereo with a Phillips-head screwdriver.
Step 5
Slide the factory stereo from the stereo dock and unplug the wiring connections to the back of the unit.
Step 6
Insert the GM stereo faceplate adapter into the vacant stereo dock and replace the screws around the perimeter.
Step 7
Pull the stereo wiring and antenna cable through to the front of the faceplate adapter.
Step 8
Plug the stereo wiring connectors into the leads of the wiring harness adapter. Plug the Alero's antenna cable into the GM antenna adapter cable.
Step 9
Plug the wiring harness adapter leads into the corresponding outlets on the rear panel of the new CD player.
Step 10
Plug the antenna adapter lead into the FM antenna input on the back of the new CD player. The antenna connection point location varies but is commonly on the opposite side of the CD player's rear panel.
Step 11
Slide the CD player into the faceplate adapter. Push the unit into the stereo dock until it snaps into place.
Step 12
Place the trim panel back around the stereo dock and press firmly around the perimeter to snap the six clips back against the dashboard. Return to the Alero's engine compartment.
Step 13
Replace the negative battery cable clamp around the Oldsmobile's negative battery terminal post. Tighten the cable's clamp to the post with the wrench. Close the Alero's hood.
References
- Crutchfield: Car Stereo Installation Guide
- "General Motors: Chevy Malibu, Olds Alero, Cutlass, Pontiac Grand AM Auto Repair Manual, 1999-2003;" Haynes, 2003
Things You'll Need
- Wrench, 10 mm
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- General Motors aftermarket stereo Faceplate adapter
- GM antenna adapter cable
- Wiring harness adapter
Writer Bio
Jule Pamplin has been a copywriter for more than seven years. As a financial sales consultant, Pamplin produced sales copy for two of the largest banks in the United States. He attended Carnegie-Mellon University, winning a meritorious scholarship for the Careers in Applied Science and Technology program, and later served in the 1st Tank Battalion of the U.S. Marine Corps.
